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The Miracle Health and Beauty Benefits Of Argan Oil

argan oil

Produced from the nuts of the Morrocan Argan tree (Argania spinosa,) argan oil has many benefits for health and beauty.

The Berbers have used it for centuries for both food and cosmetic purposes, and they call the Argan tree the “Tree of Life” because of its role in their culture. Sheep, goats and camels eat the leaves and nuts; they feed cattle the “press-cakes” remaining after extracting the oil from the nuts; they use the nut shells as fuel; the Berbers eat the oil from the roasted nuts in their food; and oil from the raw nuts protects their skin and hair from the harsh conditions of the local environment.

Argan oil is rich in vitamin E, carotene, phenols and phenolic acid and has high levels of the essential fatty acids oleic acid and linoleic acid, as well as several others. It is a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, and contains two unique plant sterols (schottenol and spinasterol) not found in other oils. In addition, it is highly moisturizing and absorbs quickly, making it ideal for hair and skin care.

Argan Oil For Hair

Argan oil moisturizes, strengthens, and smooths the hair. It is an excellent choice for use in hot oil treatments. Two or three drops applied to your brush or comb instead of a hair gel will provide control and reduce frizziness without the drying effect of the alcohol normally found in styling products. In fact, it will moisturize and protect your hair from the daily “insults” of blow-drying, curling or straightening your hair, as well as combating sun- and pollution-damage.

Research has also suggested that Argan oil promotes hair growth and prevents hair loss. The Omega 3 and Omega 9 fatty acids penetrate the hair shaft delivering the required nutrients for stimulating the growth of new hair.

Argan Oil For Skin

Argan oil is wonderful for skin care for treating acne, psoriasis, eczema, stretch marks and brittle nails. It is especially helpful for mature or dry skin because of the high levels of Squalene it contains. The natural oil our body produces is composed of 25% squalene, making Argan oil more easily absorbed than most other oils. It deactivates the free radical (known as “singlet oxygen”) created by exposing the skin to ultraviolet light, which helps to protect from skin cancer and absorbs and binds fat soluble toxins, helping to excrete them from the body.

Argan Oil For Health

The high levels of polyphenols in Argan oil give it anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, anti-allergenic, and anti-aging properties. They help to repair DNA damage caused by exposure to cigarette smoke and other toxins, help to detoxify carcinogens by enhancing the immune response, and promote cell-to-cell communication. The carotene protects the heart and circulatory system by inhibiting the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, and the ferrulic acid in the oil reduces cholesterol and triglycerides.

Argan oil is fantastic for our everyday health and beauty and it would be wise to have a bottle handy. Have a read of Liz Thompson’s review of Amal Oils 100% Organic Argan Oil. It’s one of the best brands available.

Photo: iStockPhoto.com/luisapuccini

Written by Daisy Raybould

My name is Daisy Raybould. I'm a passionate blogger discussing all things natural, including topics such as beauty, weight loss, skin care, anti aging, hair care, pain relief and much, much more.

If you want to read more from me, please click through and start reading my blog at http://www.revitaliseyourhealth.com

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